In our latest alumni interview, we spoke with Ekaterina Travova, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Economic Behavior and Inequality, University of Copenhagen. Ekaterina shares insights from her postdoc experience and discusses her research on the economics of crime and religion.

You’ve been a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Economics at the University of Copenhagen for nearly three years. How would you assess your experience in this role so far?

It’s been a great experience! I have been able to work on research projects that I am passionate about, especially in areas like crime and religion. Being in such a stimulating environment has helped me grow my skills and see things from new angles. Working with amazing colleagues has made it even more rewarding. It has been challenging at times, but also really fulfilling.

Can you share any experiences or lessons from your postdoctoral journey that would be valuable to others?

Here is what I have learned: Mix ideas from different fields. Some of my best projects came from combining unexpected things. Embrace the data chaos. The more variety you can handle, the more interesting questions you can ask. Team up with others. Working together often leads to the best ideas. Take breaks. Sometimes your best thinking happens when you are not trying so hard.

Your research also includes a focus on the economics of crime. What inspired you to pursue this field?

Well, it is like trying to solve a real-world puzzle. Think about it — why do some people decide to break the law while others do not? It is not just about good people and bad people. There is a whole mix of reasons—money troubles, peer pressure, lack of opportunities, you name it. It is not just academic stuff. This research could help policymakers make more informed decisions. We are talking about issues that affect real communities, real budgets, and real lives.

Could you tell us about some of your other research projects?

I am looking at how religious beliefs affect how people make financial and labor market decisions. Surprisingly, religious folks might be bigger risk-takers than we thought! I am studying how churches in Russia are involved in politics. It is like a historical thriller, but with more tables and graphs. I am also researching how the fall of communism still affects how happy people are today. Spoiler: it is not just about money.

What aspects of working in research do you enjoy the most, and what do you find most challenging?

The best part of research? It is like being a detective for big societal questions. When you uncover something new, it is really satisfying. The toughest part is dealing with setbacks and the constant pressure to produce results. And getting published can be a real rollercoaster!

What are your future research goals, and are there specific topics you are particularly eager to explore further?

One area I am really interested in exploring further is the relationship between religion and crime. There is this intriguing idea that stronger religious beliefs might reduce certain types of risky behavior—like crime—while encouraging other kinds of risks, like entrepreneurship or investing. I want to dig deeper into how religious institutions or beliefs shape moral decision-making and whether that influences crime rates in different communities. I want to keep asking questions that make people tilt their heads and say, “Huh, now that’s interesting.” That is when you know you are onto something good!